Independent curator, author and collector John Bennette has shared news of and excitement about “Hearst 8×10” the inaugural competition for which he is a member of the judging panel. Each entrant can submit up to 16 images via email or CD-Rom; postmark deadline is January 1st. NO ENTRY FEE is charged for consideration.

Selections from the press release:

“Hearst Corporation today announced an international biennial competition to recognize and showcase the professional work of talented young photographers. Hearst 8 X 10 Photography Biennial will recognize eight winners and feature their work in two exhibition spaces in the atrium of Lord Norman Foster’s Hearst Tower, the company’s acclaimed New York City headquarters.

Both the newly-named Alexey Brodovitch* Gallery and the Hearst Gallery will showcase approximately 100 photographs beginning in April 2009 through the end of the year. Hearst will publish both digital and print catalogues showcasing works chosen by 10 judges composed of editors, creative directors, curators, and renowned photographers.”

“Hearst 8 X 10 Photography Biennial will be open to photographers who have at least two years of professional experience, both in the United States and abroad.

All entries must be e-mailed or postmarked no later than January 1, 2009.

Additional information and submission guidelines can be found at www.hearst8x10.com. Winners will be announced on March 1, 2009.”

Read the RULES here; which includes this important requirement to aid in anominity of entrants in judging process:

“Important note: To ensure a fair and unbiased selection, entries are to remain anonymous. Submissions that contain a photographer’s name and/or contact information within the file name, caption field or metadata will be disqualified.”

and this permission requirement from winners; do not enter if you can or will not comply is my advice:

“Hearst Corporation reserves the right to use the award recipient’s name, likeness, biographical information, and project images in perpetuity for publicity and promotional materials related to the Hearst 8×10 Photography Biennial and Hearst Corporation.”

I for one applaud this clarification; some recent competitions require a fee, and require permissions as noted above for ALL APPLICANTS (not just sought from winners). As always I encourage you to read all the rules for competitons and decide for yourself whether your time and money is well placed. Good luck to all who enter!